Revellers make merry Amritsar, January 1 As Amritsar plunged its way into 2008, there were unprecedented crowd at couple-dance parties across the city. And for a change, a majority of those shaking a leg were well past their early thirties. The organisers were in for a pleasant surprise as shedding their inhibitions; couples of all ages put on their dancing shoes and headed straight to the hotels and restaurants in the city. Pradeep Kumar Vaid, general manager, Ritz Plaza, said even though the hotel has been organising dance parties since 1999, it was a rare sight for the city to have its middle-aged dancing to the tunes to ring in the New Year. City residents dance their way into new year. — A Tribune photograph

Born on Jan 1, little angels spread sunshine in lives of three families Amritsar, January 1 Being born on the world’s official party night is always special. As for their parents, it is no less than a miracle to hear their first-borns’ cry amidst firecrackers and cheers welcoming New Year. At Guru Teg Bahadur Government Hospital, three newborns - two males and one female - were born early on the morning of January 1. Sonia, wife of Rohit Khanna, was the first to give birth to a girl child at 7.15 am after a Caesarian delivery. Next to follow was a baby boy for Sanjana at 7.45 am. Even though her husband was at his native village in Sultanpur (UP), Sanjana had her mother and father by her side. Neelam Gambhir celebrates birth of her granddaughter.

Remembering the old days, ways
Amritsar, January 1
It was yesterday once more at the Government Medical College, Amritsar, as old students had an emotional reunion. ‘Punarmilan-2007’ saw broad smiles and warm hugs from the participants who had come from not only across the country but also abroad. Out of total 98 attending doctors, 16 were from USA, one from UK and Norway each.

Ex-cop held with drugs, fake currency
Amritsar, January 1
The police has arrested Ashwini Kumar, a former constable, for his alleged involvement in drug peddling and robbery. Te police also recovered 300 gm of smack worth Rs 30 lakh and fake currency worth Rs 10,000 in the denomination of Rs 500 from his possession.

Campus Buzz
GNDU appoints 4 new HoDs
Amritsar, January 1
The reader of applied physic department, Dr Kanwarjit Singh, reader of physical education (teaching), Dr Sukhdev Singh, professor Sarbjot Singh Behal of the architecture department and Dr Dharam Singh, School of Punjabi Studies, have been appointed heads of the department (HoDs) of their respective departments from January 1, 2008.